AUBURN – Highlighting the failing economy, Androscoggin County leaders put off plans Wednesday to give money to a pair of local nonprofit groups.

The two organizations – the Time & Tide Resource Conservation & Development Area and the local University of Maine Cooperative Extension branch – were due for $1,840 and $31,500, according to a proposal by the Androscoggin County commissioners.

However, the county’s Budget Committee questioned why the two groups were singled out for aid since so many other local agencies might be worthy.

“I think it was based on who was there,” said committee member Mark Sampson of Auburn. “Would new groups get any money?”

The committee began examining the commission’s $10.2 million spending proposal last month. With each county department, committee members say they aim to slash spending wherever possible, even if the changes would mean only pennies on the average tax bill.

For the cooperative extension office, which serves Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties, the money is met with funds from the University of Maine System. Tens of thousands of dollars in county money helps the Lisbon Falls office draw hundreds of thousands in money from the school system.

The office has 11 full-time employees who run agriculture-related programs.

“Without this money, we would go away,” said Tori Jackson, a teacher with the office.

In a preliminary move, committee members voted to fund the extension at $30,000 for 2009, the same as this year.

It could fall, warned Lewiston City Administrator James Bennett, who serves on the committee.

He also had warnings for Time & Tide.

Unfamiliar with the organization, which runs agriculture-related programs, Bennett asked for detailed information about what it does and how it spends its money.

Without it, he would oppose giving Time &Tide any money, he said.

“I need an intellectual reason,” Bennett said.

The committee put off any action on the aid to give Paul Miller, a counselor with Time & Tide, time to prepare.

“I understand completely,” Miller said. He is due to return on Dec. 10 to make another presentation to the committee.